“Yes—But . . . !”
61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but . . ." Luke 9:61 ESV
Supposing God tells you to do something which is an enormous test to your common sense, what are you going to do? Hang back? If you get into the habit of doing a thing in the physical domain, you will do it every time until you break the habit determinedly; and the same is true spiritually. Again and again you will get up to what Jesus Christ wants, and every time you will turn back when it comes to the point, until you abandon resolutely. “Yes, but—supposing I do obey God in this matter, what about . . . ?” “Yes, I will obey God if He will let me use my common sense, but don’t ask me to take a step in the dark.” Jesus Christ demands of the man who trusts Him the same reckless sporting spirit that the natural man exhibits. If a man is going to do anything worth while, there are times when he has to risk everything on his leap, and in the spiritual domain Jesus Christ demands that you risk everything you hold by common sense and leap into what He says, and immediately you do, you find that what He says fits on as solidly as common sense. At the bar of common sense Jesus Christ’s statements may seem mad; but bring them to the bar of faith, and you begin to find with awe-struck spirit that they are the words of God. Trust entirely in God, and when He brings you to the venture, see that you take it. We act like pagans in a crisis, only one out of a crowd is daring enough to bank his faith in the character of God.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (pp. 108-109). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
I agree with Chambers about the importance of obedience to God. If God speaks, then we should act. While I live a life far from 100% obedience to God, I am getting better each day and do recognize the necessity of obedience. Where I struggle is knowing with reasonable clarity what the will of God for my life is at times.
When Kristi and I were engaged in the Gathering Tree ministry, we had our doubts, misgivings, and second thoughts. Eventually our interest and passion waned and we found ourselves just going through the motions. What was God's will for us? More involvement? Separation from the ministry?
I have often wished God would text, Tweet, or email. Even if that were the case, I am sure there would be times I would fail to act, but at least the message would be clear. Prayer, meditation, godly counsel, Bible study are all ways we should use to discern the will of God, but even they there are times I am left with an internal ambiguity as to what choice to make or road to travel.
Should we err on the side of incorrect action or incorrect inaction?
How do you determine with clarity and certainty God's will for your life? Not big picture stuff- being a Chistian, going to church, loving others, etc., but those decisions about specific happenings in life. What ministy to support? When to retire? How allocate your finances?
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Joe Btfsplk May 30, 2015
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, Ephesians 4:20 ESV
When Paul wrote these words to the church at Ephesus, he was cautioning against bitterness, anger, clamor, slander, malice, and corrupting talk. Certainly a list of ugliness that would grieve our Heavenly Father who gave sacrificed His Son for us out of love. But when I read the verse I was convicted over how my attitude over these past several weeks have grieved the spirit. I have allowed joy to be a stranger to me. In my mind, each and every possible work related challenge has become a career-ending disaster. A small oversight will result in professional apocalypse.
It is spring. Trees bursting forth with new growth. Birds strutting their stuff to impress the opposite sex. Even rains are creating beautiful cloud formations. Health, finances, marriage: all in a good place. My life is full of blessings. But I am walking around like Joe Btfsplk from L'il Abner.
Just like our earthly fathers, God wants His children to have joy. He desires for us to bask in His love, to revel in His goodness, to rejoice in His blessings. When I spend my days wringing my hands of real or imagined problems, I am denying His love, provision, and protection. How it must hurt Abba to know I am walking around in a funk, waking up worrying, and allowing anxiety to be a constant companion. Some of Jesus' final words in John were, " Peace I leave with you. Let not your hearts be troubled."
When Paul lists the attributes of the fruit of the Spirit in the fifth chapter of Galatians, joy is second in the list. If the attributes are listed in order of importance, then love is the only item listed ahead of joy. This places a great deal of emphasis on joy.
So, what do to? Paul encourages every Believer to "take every thought captive". (2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV) The mind is the battle ground for joy. Depression, melancholy, and anxiety are not from God. I fight against "spiritual forces of evil" not against "against flesh and blood". (Ephesians 6:10 ESV) In 1 Corinthians Paul wrote, "I discipline my body and keep it under control", so too I must discipline my mind to keep it under control also.
When Paul wrote these words to the church at Ephesus, he was cautioning against bitterness, anger, clamor, slander, malice, and corrupting talk. Certainly a list of ugliness that would grieve our Heavenly Father who gave sacrificed His Son for us out of love. But when I read the verse I was convicted over how my attitude over these past several weeks have grieved the spirit. I have allowed joy to be a stranger to me. In my mind, each and every possible work related challenge has become a career-ending disaster. A small oversight will result in professional apocalypse.
It is spring. Trees bursting forth with new growth. Birds strutting their stuff to impress the opposite sex. Even rains are creating beautiful cloud formations. Health, finances, marriage: all in a good place. My life is full of blessings. But I am walking around like Joe Btfsplk from L'il Abner.
Just like our earthly fathers, God wants His children to have joy. He desires for us to bask in His love, to revel in His goodness, to rejoice in His blessings. When I spend my days wringing my hands of real or imagined problems, I am denying His love, provision, and protection. How it must hurt Abba to know I am walking around in a funk, waking up worrying, and allowing anxiety to be a constant companion. Some of Jesus' final words in John were, " Peace I leave with you. Let not your hearts be troubled."
When Paul lists the attributes of the fruit of the Spirit in the fifth chapter of Galatians, joy is second in the list. If the attributes are listed in order of importance, then love is the only item listed ahead of joy. This places a great deal of emphasis on joy.
So, what do to? Paul encourages every Believer to "take every thought captive". (2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV) The mind is the battle ground for joy. Depression, melancholy, and anxiety are not from God. I fight against "spiritual forces of evil" not against "against flesh and blood". (Ephesians 6:10 ESV) In 1 Corinthians Paul wrote, "I discipline my body and keep it under control", so too I must discipline my mind to keep it under control also.
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Monday, May 25, 2015
There are Limits May 25, 2015
On Saturday I wrote about a work issue where God had come through once again when the problem was caused by my oversight. The epiphany I had was that God intervenes even when the problem arises due to our actions. However, as I was pondering the situation, it occurred to me that God also expects us to learn from each situation. I don't believe He will continue to deflect, protect, interject if I am not obedient in the areas of conviction.
The story of Samson came to mind. Samson's choices with women were a life-long struggle. A pattern becomes obvious. Samson sins, God intervenes. But Samson is either ignorant of the lessons God is trying to teach or he is arrogant enough to think those lessons don't apply to him.
In Judges 14, Samson, "saw one of the daughters of the Philistines at Timnah." and told his father "get her for me as my wife." This marriage results in death of 30 men and Samson's wife was given away to the best man from the wedding. Eventually as a result of Samson's actions, she and her father were burned alive by the Philistines. (Judges 15:6 ESV)
In the sixteenth chapter of Judges, Samson "saw a prostitute, and he went in to her". (Judges 16:1 ESV) As a result the Gazites surrounded the city and plotted to capture Samson. However, Sampson escapes. Samson sins, God intervenes.
Finally, we are brought to the story of Samson and Delilah, one of the most popular stories in the Old Testament. Once again, Samson has made a poor choice. He has become unequally yoked with a woman outside of the Jewish faith. Tragedy follows.
Samson repeatedly lies to Delilah about the source of his strength. The causes her to be humiliated on three occasions. Rather than just tell her that his strength is from the Lord, he toyed with her. Eventually because of the disrespect Samson has shown her, Delilah, "pressed him hard with her words day after day, and urged him, his soul was vexed to death", and he relents and shares his secret with her.
The rest, as they say, is history. Shaved head. Capture. Eyes gouged out. Hair grows back. Many Philistines slayed.
But the take-away for me is Samson's repeated sin. Each time God rescued Samson, he did not learn a lesson. He presumed on the goodness of God until the time God said, "Well, Samson, you think you know best. Then have it your way."
It is our duty to not only thank God for His intervention and rescue, but to also learn from these times. When God steps up to deflect, protect, interject, we must seek His guidance in how to avoid the same missteps in the future. We should ask God, "What are both the spiritual and practical steps we can take avoid the same situations in the future?" It is imperative we allow God to use these times to help us grow and mature as a Christian.
God loves. God protects. But God also expects. Be careful never to assume God's interventions are limitless.
The story of Samson came to mind. Samson's choices with women were a life-long struggle. A pattern becomes obvious. Samson sins, God intervenes. But Samson is either ignorant of the lessons God is trying to teach or he is arrogant enough to think those lessons don't apply to him.
In Judges 14, Samson, "saw one of the daughters of the Philistines at Timnah." and told his father "get her for me as my wife." This marriage results in death of 30 men and Samson's wife was given away to the best man from the wedding. Eventually as a result of Samson's actions, she and her father were burned alive by the Philistines. (Judges 15:6 ESV)
In the sixteenth chapter of Judges, Samson "saw a prostitute, and he went in to her". (Judges 16:1 ESV) As a result the Gazites surrounded the city and plotted to capture Samson. However, Sampson escapes. Samson sins, God intervenes.
Finally, we are brought to the story of Samson and Delilah, one of the most popular stories in the Old Testament. Once again, Samson has made a poor choice. He has become unequally yoked with a woman outside of the Jewish faith. Tragedy follows.
Samson repeatedly lies to Delilah about the source of his strength. The causes her to be humiliated on three occasions. Rather than just tell her that his strength is from the Lord, he toyed with her. Eventually because of the disrespect Samson has shown her, Delilah, "pressed him hard with her words day after day, and urged him, his soul was vexed to death", and he relents and shares his secret with her.
The rest, as they say, is history. Shaved head. Capture. Eyes gouged out. Hair grows back. Many Philistines slayed.
But the take-away for me is Samson's repeated sin. Each time God rescued Samson, he did not learn a lesson. He presumed on the goodness of God until the time God said, "Well, Samson, you think you know best. Then have it your way."
It is our duty to not only thank God for His intervention and rescue, but to also learn from these times. When God steps up to deflect, protect, interject, we must seek His guidance in how to avoid the same missteps in the future. We should ask God, "What are both the spiritual and practical steps we can take avoid the same situations in the future?" It is imperative we allow God to use these times to help us grow and mature as a Christian.
God loves. God protects. But God also expects. Be careful never to assume God's interventions are limitless.
Saturday, May 23, 2015
My Bad May 23, 2015
I recently downloaded a Bible memory verse app. It provides the user with sets of Bible verses over a variety of topics. I am working my way through verses that focus on the protection God provides His children. The first two are from Psalms.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say[a] to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1,2 ESV
18 The Lord is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desire of those who fear him;
he also hears their cry and saves them.
Psalm 145:18,19 ESV
I get the fortress, refuge, and shelter for His children when they are being wronged for their faith and persecuted for their belief. But it wasn't until this morning, I viewed these verses in a whole new light.
I woke up around 3:00 this morning, tossing and turning about summer school deadlines and requirements. At about 4 a.m. I realized I had missed an important deadline for summer school that affected several people.
In a panic, I got dressed, kissed Kristi in the forehead, and made a panicked trip to school. After rereading some emails, I discovered, that yes, indeed, I had blown it. Since it was 4:30 a.m. there was little I could do but wait. Since the school system was closed until Tuesday, the wait would long.
Then about 6:30 a.m. an email came through that item that had caused me to worry, was no longer an issue thanks to some changes made by the summer school office. The relief was palpable.
It was then I realized that God is our fortress not only when we are being persecuted, but even when we have goofed up. God is our refuge when the mess is of our own doing.
As I was mowing the lawn later in the morning, I thanked God for the 10th or 11th time for once again bailing me out a conversation played out in my head.
"Thank you God for once again coming to my rescue."
"You're welcome."
"I am constantly needing you to bail me out."
"I know."
"But I don't deserve it."
"No, you don't, but that's what I do."
"Why?"
"You are my child. Fathers look out for their children."
What a wonderful God we serve.
Tune in tomorrow for the other lesson today's events revealed.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say[a] to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1,2 ESV
18 The Lord is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desire of those who fear him;
he also hears their cry and saves them.
Psalm 145:18,19 ESV
I get the fortress, refuge, and shelter for His children when they are being wronged for their faith and persecuted for their belief. But it wasn't until this morning, I viewed these verses in a whole new light.
I woke up around 3:00 this morning, tossing and turning about summer school deadlines and requirements. At about 4 a.m. I realized I had missed an important deadline for summer school that affected several people.
In a panic, I got dressed, kissed Kristi in the forehead, and made a panicked trip to school. After rereading some emails, I discovered, that yes, indeed, I had blown it. Since it was 4:30 a.m. there was little I could do but wait. Since the school system was closed until Tuesday, the wait would long.
Then about 6:30 a.m. an email came through that item that had caused me to worry, was no longer an issue thanks to some changes made by the summer school office. The relief was palpable.
It was then I realized that God is our fortress not only when we are being persecuted, but even when we have goofed up. God is our refuge when the mess is of our own doing.
As I was mowing the lawn later in the morning, I thanked God for the 10th or 11th time for once again bailing me out a conversation played out in my head.
"Thank you God for once again coming to my rescue."
"You're welcome."
"I am constantly needing you to bail me out."
"I know."
"But I don't deserve it."
"No, you don't, but that's what I do."
"Why?"
"You are my child. Fathers look out for their children."
What a wonderful God we serve.
Tune in tomorrow for the other lesson today's events revealed.
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Everyday God May 20, 2015
May the God of endurance and encouragement. . . Romans 15:5 ESV
Today's verse was timed perfectly for today. Today is the last day of school. While it is cause for high-fives, it is also a time for reflection on the year. As I reflect on this school year, I can recall several missteps, some minor, some not so much. As a result, today's end-of-year high fives will not be quite as high. The we-made-it cheers will be tempered a bit for me.
Paul reminds us that God is a personal God. He is the God of the ordinary. He know life here is hard and that we need endurance and encouragement.
Yes, God is the God of the heavens. He is the Creator. He is the Most High. But He is still the best source of encouragement to each individual who will call on His name. He knows all about endurance. Throughout the Bible we see how time and time again, His chosen people turned their back on Him. Today people deny His existence, curse His name, and murder His children, but He still reaches out, He still loves, He still offers an eternity with Him.
Today's verse was timed perfectly for today. Today is the last day of school. While it is cause for high-fives, it is also a time for reflection on the year. As I reflect on this school year, I can recall several missteps, some minor, some not so much. As a result, today's end-of-year high fives will not be quite as high. The we-made-it cheers will be tempered a bit for me.
Paul reminds us that God is a personal God. He is the God of the ordinary. He know life here is hard and that we need endurance and encouragement.
Yes, God is the God of the heavens. He is the Creator. He is the Most High. But He is still the best source of encouragement to each individual who will call on His name. He knows all about endurance. Throughout the Bible we see how time and time again, His chosen people turned their back on Him. Today people deny His existence, curse His name, and murder His children, but He still reaches out, He still loves, He still offers an eternity with Him.
Monday, May 18, 2015
Unconscious Usefulness May 18, 2015
Careful Unreasonableness
26 Look at the birds of the air. . . Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, Matthew 6:26, 28
Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow, they simply are! Think of the sea, the air, the sun, the stars and the moon—all these are, and what a ministration they exert. So often we mar God’s designed influence through us by our self-conscious effort to be consistent and useful. Jesus says that there is only one way to develop spiritually, and that is by concentration on God. “Do not bother about being of use to others, believe on Me”—pay attention to the Source, “and out of you will flow rivers of living water.” We cannot get at the springs of our natural life by common sense, and Jesus is teaching that growth in spiritual life does not depend on our watching it, but on concentration on our Father in heaven. Our heavenly Father knows the circumstances we are in, and if we keep concentrated on Him we will grow spiritually as the lilies.
The people who influence us most are not those who buttonhole us and talk to us, but those who live their lives like the stars in heaven and the lilies in the field, perfectly simply and unaffectedly. Those are the lives that mould us.
If you want to be of use to God, get rightly related to Jesus Christ and He will make you of use unconsciously every minute you live.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (pp. 100-101). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Yes, perparation for a Sunday School lesson is necessary. Of course direct evangelism is needed. Indeed intentional mentoring programs will increase one's Christian growth. But Chambers points out that it is our organic, daily living that most reflects the lilies and sparrows who model God's provision each and every day.
Our focus on Him will yield fruit. Godly lives lived quietly and consistently will have as profound an effect on others as the best Billy Graham broadcast.
If our focus is on strengthening and growing our relationship with our Heavenly Father, then those around us will benefit as well from the increase in the Fruit of the Spirit in our individual lives.
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Rejoice May 16, 2015
17 The Lord your God is in your midst,
a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 ESV
Before I read this verse my list of things God does for us would have read:
saves us
protects us
loves us
guides us
disciplines us
comforts us
provides for us
listens to us
communes with us
But rejoices over us? Exults over us with loud singing? The Creator of the universe is exuberant because of me! The Alpha and Omega celebrates my existence! Elohim delights in me.
This realization took my breath away. I sat here just allowing that new knowledge to wash over me. My Lord and Savior, my God, my Protector, my Provider is joyful because I am His child.
a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 ESV
Before I read this verse my list of things God does for us would have read:
saves us
protects us
loves us
guides us
disciplines us
comforts us
provides for us
listens to us
communes with us
But rejoices over us? Exults over us with loud singing? The Creator of the universe is exuberant because of me! The Alpha and Omega celebrates my existence! Elohim delights in me.
This realization took my breath away. I sat here just allowing that new knowledge to wash over me. My Lord and Savior, my God, my Protector, my Provider is joyful because I am His child.
Friday, May 15, 2015
Observers Need Not Apply May 15, 2015
The Habit of Rising to the Occasion
That ye may know what is the hope of His calling. . . . Ephesians 1:18
Remember what you are saved for—that the Son of God might be manifested in your mortal flesh. Bend the whole energy of your powers to realise your election as a child of God; rise to the occasion every time.
You cannot do anything for your salvation, but you must do something to manifest it, you must work out what God has worked in. Are you working it out with your tongue, and your brain and your nerves? If you are still the same miserable crosspatch, set on your own way, then it is a lie to say that
God has saved and sanctified you. God is the Master Engineer, He allows the difficulties to come in order to see if you can vault over them properly—“By my God have I leaped over a wall.” God will never shield you from any of the requirements of a son or daughter of His. Peter says—“Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you.” Rise to the occasion; do the thing. It does not matter how it hurts as long as it gives God the chance to manifest Himself in your mortal flesh.
May God not find the whine in us any more, but may He find us full of spiritual pluck and athleticism, ready to face anything He brings. We have to exercise ourselves in order that the Son of God may be manifested in our mortal flesh. God never has museums. The only aim of the life is that the Son of God may be manifested, and all dictation to God vanishes. Our Lord never dictated to His Father, and we are not here to dictate to God; we are here to submit to His will so that He may work through us what He wants. When we realise this, He will make us broken bread and poured-out wine to feed and nourish others.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (pp. 98-99). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
"God never has museums." Were that He did. How I would love a period of life where Kristi and I could walk along quietly in a climate-controlled, plush-carpeted, softly-lit room where red velvet ropes kept us separated from the realities of life. Work challenges would just be an oil paining on the wall. Health issues were nothing but an interesting "Do Not Touch" sculpture in the middle of the room. Financial concerns nothing more than an odd looking piece of abstract multi-media art.
But how foolhardy to expect a different life from the saints of the Bible. Moses did not walk through a museum. Paul's life was not a sit and view existence. Even Jesus Christ never had those golden years of inactivity. No, at the end of the day, Christians are expected to be living life, facing challenges, and being victorious. We do not work for things on this side of the divide. Our rewards, our mansions, our time of leisure will happen in heaven.
Ours is a life of obedience. We are to keep working over our bodies so that they may conform to Christ Jesus. (1 Corin. 9:27 KJV) Each day we must give our energies anew to the work God has set before us. No museum. No velvet ropes. No observers.
When I view life as a whole and more specifically the day that is upcoming through a lens of participation not observation, I feel a much deeper need for fervent, passionate prayer. I realize that to successfully navigate today, this project, or that challenge, a close, continual relationship with God is imperative. Preparation through prayer. Readiness through reading.
Life ain't the Guggenheim.
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
The Importance of Knowledge May 12, 2015
2 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
2 Peter 1:2 ESV
Grace and peace: comforting, calm, tranquil. In today's unpredictable, frenzied world, grace and peace are often elusive. Yet they are promised to all people who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. But Peter puts a qualifier on having these two in abundance.
It is only through the knowledge of Jesus Christ do we posses grace and peace in abundance.
The beginning of grace and peace in a person's life comes at the moment we have acceptance of Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. This happens at the moment of conversion. Immediately His grace covers our sin and brings us into an eternal relationship with Him. But all too often believers become disillusioned with this initial experience because the grace and peace felt at the alter fades quickly as the real world comes crashing back in full force.
Peter points out that the abundance we seek comes through knowledge. One part of the Sunshine Mission Statement speaks of students being "life-long learners". Do Christians see themselves as life-long learners? Do we seek out knowledge of God in scripture, in meditation, in prayer? Are our spiritual antennae constantly attuned to the working of God in our daily lives? In the small and great events of each day?
Our knowledge of Him must increase so that we may be closer to Him and be more effective for Him. The more we know, the greater our faith which in turn will increase our grace and peace. Knowledge is a precursor of many of the blessings promised to His children. How are you increasing your knowledge?
2 Peter 1:2 ESV
Grace and peace: comforting, calm, tranquil. In today's unpredictable, frenzied world, grace and peace are often elusive. Yet they are promised to all people who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. But Peter puts a qualifier on having these two in abundance.
It is only through the knowledge of Jesus Christ do we posses grace and peace in abundance.
The beginning of grace and peace in a person's life comes at the moment we have acceptance of Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. This happens at the moment of conversion. Immediately His grace covers our sin and brings us into an eternal relationship with Him. But all too often believers become disillusioned with this initial experience because the grace and peace felt at the alter fades quickly as the real world comes crashing back in full force.
Peter points out that the abundance we seek comes through knowledge. One part of the Sunshine Mission Statement speaks of students being "life-long learners". Do Christians see themselves as life-long learners? Do we seek out knowledge of God in scripture, in meditation, in prayer? Are our spiritual antennae constantly attuned to the working of God in our daily lives? In the small and great events of each day?
Our knowledge of Him must increase so that we may be closer to Him and be more effective for Him. The more we know, the greater our faith which in turn will increase our grace and peace. Knowledge is a precursor of many of the blessings promised to His children. How are you increasing your knowledge?
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Am I Doing My Part? May 10, 2015
Take the Initiative
“Add” means there is something we have to do. We are in danger of forgetting that we cannot do what God does, and that God will not do what we can do. We cannot save ourselves nor sanctify ourselves, God does that; but God will not give us good habits, He will not give us character, He will not make us walk aright. We have to do all that ourselves, we have to work out the salvation God has worked in. “Add” means to get into the habit of doing things, and in the initial stages it is difficult. To take the initiative is to make a beginning, to instruct yourself in the way you have to go.
Beware of the tendency of asking the way when you know it perfectly well. Take the initiative, stop hesitating, and take the first step. Be resolute when God speaks, act in faith immediately on what He says, and never revise your decisions. If you hesitate when God tells you to do a thing, you endanger your standing in grace. Take the initiative, take it yourself, take the step with your will now, make it impossible to go back. Burn your bridges behind you—“I will write that letter”; “I will pay that debt.” Make the thing inevitable.
We have to get into the habit of hearkening to God about everything, to form the habit of finding out what God says. If, when a crisis comes, we instinctively turn to God, we know that the habit has been formed. We have to take the initiative where we are, not where we are not.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (pp. 94-95). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
While I would hesitate to call our relationship with God a partnership because a partnership denotes an equality between parties. To consider ourselves equal to God is at best foolhardy and at worst blasphemy. However, God and His children each have their roles in the relationship.
These past several weeks at work have been trying. Not only are the demands of the job greater than ever, there have been some personnel issues that have taken their toll on my peace and sleep. These things have driven me into a deeper level of prayer, but I have also allowed them to create a sense of inactivity.
There are currently many deadlines and projects that need my attention. Yet, I have had periods of non-productivity at work. Chambers' entry today reminded me that God calls us to action not just in the spiritual realm, but in this world as well. Chambers speaks of working out our salvation, (Philippians 2:12), but he also advises "Be resolute when God speaks, act in faith immediately on what He says. . .write that letter. . .pay that debt." Jesus wishes to touch every area of our lives. The prayerful and the professional. The spiritual and the ordinary. The holy and the human.
We are to allow Him to develop and direct both our spiritual and secular habits. Skipping daily prayer and Bible study is no less damaging to our relationship with Him than disregarding His direction about our diet or work habits. Habits both good and bad are developed one action or inaction at a time. Let's make sure our habits are pleasing to Him.
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Semantics? May 7, 2015
The Cost of Being a Disciple (Luke 14)
25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.
These verses from Luke are reminiscent of the rich young ruler (ryr) from Mark 10. In this instance Jesus instructed the ryr to sell all his possessions, give the money to the poor, then follow Jesus. I know when I taught this set of verses in Sunday School, it created quite a stir when I suggested that salvation requires more than just faith and grace. In my heart of hearts, I truly believe that grace and faith are the only two components necessary for salvation, but I did enjoy "poking the bear" a bit.
However, I can see why a person might argue that abandonment of earthly ties might be a requirement of salvation. Luke 14:33 "In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples." Mark 10:21 21 Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
In studying what appears to be a contradiction between salvation by grace vs. salvation by works, I wonder if the tension is being caused by not differentiating between salvation and discipleship. In both the Luke and Mark verses, it appears that Jesus is talking more of discipleship as opposed to salvation. Which brings me to my next question.
Can a person be genuinely "saved" and not be a disciple? Can my belief in Jesus' divinity, death, and resurrection claim for me an eternity with Him, but not be a acolyte? If that is the case, then the verses referenced from Luke and Mark, do not contradict the grace alone message taught throughout the New Testament.
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Addiction May 6, 2015
Addictions can come in all shapes and sizes. Alcohol. Pornography. Food. Spending. Worry. Worry? Not one of the usual suspects.
I find myself in a spiral of worry and anxiety. I have prayed and rebuked. Read and meditated. Yet still when I awake at 3:30 a.m., I know returning to sleep will not occur. My specific worries fall into three categories. One is a situation that may become unpleasant that I have created. One situation is already unpleasant that I did not create. The additional worry is about the end of the school year and all that needs to be done in a short time.
Right now I am experiencing appetite reduction, decreased productivity, and minimal sleep. What is interesting about my current state is that the worry causes me to be less productive which gets me further behind which creates more anxiety. A vicious cycle.
Second, since I am sleeping less, my judgement suffers which means I am questioning my decisions (and making some poor decisions) which in turn increases my anxiety that results in less sleep. Another circle of despair.
I wonder if worry has become such a part of my life, I don't feel "even" unless there is something bothering me. But I don't enjoy the way I feel. Perhaps an alcoholic feels guilty each he goes on a binge, but cannot help himself. I wonder if I create situation at some subconscious level so I can have an excuse to worry.
Each day is a rush of decisions, conversations, emails, phone calls. I need to find a way to slow down, regroup, pray, commune throughout the day. Before each conversation- pray. Prior to hitting the "Send" button- pray. Unsure? Don't decide. Unclear? Get more information.
But regardless of how I change my future, my present is filled with worry, anxiety, and unease. I have to find a way to break the cycle. Am I worry junkie? An anxiety addict? I am not talking just a habit, but a true, cyclical addiction?
Question answered. Based on the details below, I am not a worry addict, but certainly a worry wort.
Craving is a strong desire that can be virtually omnipresent. This may appear in an obsessive way, where the person thinks about the addiction almost constantly.
Compulsion (I may have a worry compulsion at times.)
The addict may feel driven to engage in the given behavior, with a desire so strong they seem unable to say 'no', even if they know that the addiction is harmful. It is perhaps the associated loss of control that makes addiction so troublesome.
Repetition (No predictable pattern.)
The addictive behavior is repeated in predictable patterns. In extreme, this is to the exclusion or reduction of many other 'normal' activities, including socializing, eating and sleeping.
Benefit
The thing to which the person is addicted has some benefit for them. This may be direct or indirect stimulation of pleasurable feelings, including euphoria, relaxation and general feelings of well-being.
Benefit many also be gained through anesthetization and numbing of unpleasant feelings, such as those experienced in depression.
Harm
Addiction often has the connotation of harm, with the notion that the addict will, sooner or later, be harmed by being addicted. This may include:
A dependent person cannot do without some named thing. They have an attachment to it that may be physiological, psychological or some combination of the two.
If the dependent person is deprived of their target, then they suffer in some way, experiencing some kind of withdrawal symptoms. These can range from the 'cold turkey' fever of withdrawal from 'hard' drugs to irritability and moodiness when a child is denied access to their favorite computer game.
Withdrawal is often an opposite effect. Heroin causes euphoria, relaxation and constipation. When it is removed the person gets dysphoria, cramping and diarrhea.
Tolerance/sensitivity (I have not developed any tolerance for worry. I still get just as worked up over small things. I don't need an increased stimuli to worry at the same level.)
Some addictions result in the person becoming tolerant to the point where repeated action leads to decreasing effect.
In other addictions, the person is sensitized, such that smaller actions are required for the same effect.
But I still worry. Which is sin. Which damages my relationship with God. It is my relationship with God that can get me through worry. But if my worry damages my relationship with God, then the relationship I need to get me though worry is not as strong; therefore, I don't have the strength to fight worry.
At the end of the day, I need your prayers.
I find myself in a spiral of worry and anxiety. I have prayed and rebuked. Read and meditated. Yet still when I awake at 3:30 a.m., I know returning to sleep will not occur. My specific worries fall into three categories. One is a situation that may become unpleasant that I have created. One situation is already unpleasant that I did not create. The additional worry is about the end of the school year and all that needs to be done in a short time.
Right now I am experiencing appetite reduction, decreased productivity, and minimal sleep. What is interesting about my current state is that the worry causes me to be less productive which gets me further behind which creates more anxiety. A vicious cycle.
Second, since I am sleeping less, my judgement suffers which means I am questioning my decisions (and making some poor decisions) which in turn increases my anxiety that results in less sleep. Another circle of despair.
I wonder if worry has become such a part of my life, I don't feel "even" unless there is something bothering me. But I don't enjoy the way I feel. Perhaps an alcoholic feels guilty each he goes on a binge, but cannot help himself. I wonder if I create situation at some subconscious level so I can have an excuse to worry.
Each day is a rush of decisions, conversations, emails, phone calls. I need to find a way to slow down, regroup, pray, commune throughout the day. Before each conversation- pray. Prior to hitting the "Send" button- pray. Unsure? Don't decide. Unclear? Get more information.
But regardless of how I change my future, my present is filled with worry, anxiety, and unease. I have to find a way to break the cycle. Am I worry junkie? An anxiety addict? I am not talking just a habit, but a true, cyclical addiction?
Question answered. Based on the details below, I am not a worry addict, but certainly a worry wort.
Characteristics of an Addiction
Addiction is a commonly used word to indicate that a person repeatedly behaves in a certain way. Certain characteristics are common:
Craving (My worry is only omnipresent at this level during certain situations, not all the time.)
Craving is a strong desire that can be virtually omnipresent. This may appear in an obsessive way, where the person thinks about the addiction almost constantly.
Compulsion (I may have a worry compulsion at times.)
The addict may feel driven to engage in the given behavior, with a desire so strong they seem unable to say 'no', even if they know that the addiction is harmful. It is perhaps the associated loss of control that makes addiction so troublesome.
Repetition (No predictable pattern.)
The addictive behavior is repeated in predictable patterns. In extreme, this is to the exclusion or reduction of many other 'normal' activities, including socializing, eating and sleeping.
Benefit
The thing to which the person is addicted has some benefit for them. This may be direct or indirect stimulation of pleasurable feelings, including euphoria, relaxation and general feelings of well-being.
Benefit many also be gained through anesthetization and numbing of unpleasant feelings, such as those experienced in depression.
Harm
Addiction often has the connotation of harm, with the notion that the addict will, sooner or later, be harmed by being addicted. This may include:
- Physiological harm, for example where brain cells are damaged.
- Psychological harm, for example where they may become depressed.
- Social harm, where they become outcasts with few friends and little social support.
A dependent person cannot do without some named thing. They have an attachment to it that may be physiological, psychological or some combination of the two.
If the dependent person is deprived of their target, then they suffer in some way, experiencing some kind of withdrawal symptoms. These can range from the 'cold turkey' fever of withdrawal from 'hard' drugs to irritability and moodiness when a child is denied access to their favorite computer game.
Withdrawal is often an opposite effect. Heroin causes euphoria, relaxation and constipation. When it is removed the person gets dysphoria, cramping and diarrhea.
Tolerance/sensitivity (I have not developed any tolerance for worry. I still get just as worked up over small things. I don't need an increased stimuli to worry at the same level.)
Some addictions result in the person becoming tolerant to the point where repeated action leads to decreasing effect.
In other addictions, the person is sensitized, such that smaller actions are required for the same effect.
But I still worry. Which is sin. Which damages my relationship with God. It is my relationship with God that can get me through worry. But if my worry damages my relationship with God, then the relationship I need to get me though worry is not as strong; therefore, I don't have the strength to fight worry.
At the end of the day, I need your prayers.
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Sunday, May 3, 2015
I Pray, You Suffer May 3, 2015
Vital Intercession
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. Ephesians 6:18
As we go on in intercession we may find that our obedience to God is going to cost other people more than we thought. The danger then is to begin to intercede in sympathy with those whom God was gradually lifting to a totally different sphere in answer to our prayers. Whenever we step back from identification with God’s interest in others into sympathy with them, the vital connection with God has gone; we have put our sympathy, our consideration for them, in the way, and this is a deliberate rebuke to God.
It is impossible to intercede vitally unless we are perfectly sure of God, and the greatest dissipater of our relationship to God is personal sympathy and personal prejudice. Identification is the key to intercession, and whenever we stop being identified with God, it is by sympathy, not by sin.
It is not likely that sin will interfere with our relationship to God, but sympathy will, sympathy with ourselves or with others which makes us say—“I will not allow that thing to happen.” Instantly we are out of vital connection with God. Intercession leaves you neither time nor inclination to pray for your own “sad sweet self.” The thought of yourself is not kept out, because it is not there to keep out; you are completely and entirely identified with God’s interests in other lives.
Discernment is God’s call to intercession, never to fault finding.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (pp. 89-90). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Just a couple of days ago, I cautioned about allowing the words of another to replace the guidance and student of the Bible. Yet once again I find myself pondering many lines of Chambers, but only one line of scripture. But prayer continues to be an area of wonderment and head-scratching for me, so I give my self permission to allow Chambers to guide my thinking, knowing his writings are based on scripture and meditation.
I have reread Chambers' first line several time and am left with a sense of awe and concern. If I pray for the will of God in a person's life, I may well be praying for a blessing, an illness, a windfall, a death. I cannot know what God's ultimate plan for another is for as we are told in Isaiah, "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the Lord." Therefore, I cannot know what God needs to happen in a person's life.
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